Eknath Shinde had parted ways with Uddhav Thackeray, along with several Shiv Sena legislators, in 2022 to protest against his decision to ally with arch-rival Congress.

The BJP won nine seats in Thane and three in Palghar, where it did not have legislator previously. The Ajit Pawar-led NCP and Samajwadi Party won a seat each in Thane district, while the CPI (M) won from Dahanu (ST) seat in Palghar.

While there is no confirmation on the next CM face from the Mahayuti alliance, which comprises Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde) and NCP (Ajit Pawar), Fadnavis’s name is at the top of the list in the speculation.